Hospitals are rated SPC1 through SPC5 for earthquake safety. By January 2020, every hospital that serves as an "acute care" facility must be at SPC-2 or higher.
- SPC-1: Building poses significant risk of collapse and danger to the public. Must be upgraded by 2020.
- SPC-2: Building is in compliance with pre-1973 building codes but not with the Alquist Hospital Facilities Seismic Safety Act (1973). Must be upgraded by 2030.
- SPC-3: Building may experience structural damage which does not significantly jeopardize life, but may not be repairable or functional following a strong quake.
- SPC-4: Alquist Act compliant but not as likely to be fully functional immediately after a big quake.
- SPC-5: Building is reasonably capable of providing service following a big quake.
16% of acute care hospital buildings in the Bay Area would be at risk of collapse in a strong earthquake.